Officials
Remind Motorists and Students to Remain
Vigilant in School Zones & Near Bus
Stops

TRENTON
–With school back in session, it is
imperative that both motorists and students
be extra vigilant on New Jersey’s
roadways, especially in school zones and
near bus stops, Attorney General Paul T.
Dow and Acting Highway Traffic Safety Director
Gary Poedubicky cautioned today.

According
to Acting Director Poedubicky, in New Jersey,
from 2008 to 2010, 19 children between the
ages of five and 15 lost their lives and
nearly 2,000 were injured in incidences
involving pedestrians and bicyclists colliding
with motor vehicles.

“With
the summer season behind us and New Jersey’s
flood waters beginning to recede, New Jersey
residents must focus on the new school year
ahead,” Attorney General Dow said.
“The safety of our state’s 1.3
million students is a responsibility that
my office takes very seriously.”

“With
the days getting shorter, wet leaves on
the road and children going to and from
school, autumn is a season in which drivers
need to be extra careful,” Acting
Director Poedubicky said. “When you
are operating a motor vehicle, staying focused
on the road can mean the difference between
life and death.”

Acting
Director Poedubicky offered the following
tips to motorists and students:

Motorists

Be aware of children walking to and from
bus stops, as they might not be paying
attention and dart into the road.

Be aware of school zone signage and reduce
speed in school zones.

Be patient and wait for children to complete
their crossing before proceeding. Remember
the law now requires motorists to stop
and remain stopped for pedestrians in
crosswalks.

DO NOT text while driving.

Students

Always stop, look and listen before crossing.

Always cross at the crosswalk and obey
all traffic lights and crossing guard
instructions.

Try to arrive at the bus stop early so
you are never rushing to catch the bus.
Always wait at least 6 feet from the curb
and don't approach the bus until it comes
to a complete stop.

The
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission on Thursday
(Sept. 8) highlighted its efforts to ensure
the safety of students through its semi-annual
inspection of 24,000 school transportation
vehicles. In addition, school districts
and bus companies in New Jersey are required
to do self-inspections of the vehicles in-between
MVC inspections. Also, MVC partners with
the New Jersey State Police through the
New Jersey school bus task force to conduct
surprise inspections of the vehicles.